Wilma Spurgeon

Wilma Catherine Spurgeon, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2018 at Springhill Baptist Hospital. From her birth in Los Angeles, California, on November 17, 1933 to her death she nourished all people around her with love, faith, and food.  She was born to Ernie and Charlie (Claburn) Falls.  She had a very colorful and interesting life.  You have missed a lot if you have never had the pleasure of hearing some of her stories.  All those that knew her knew that her proudest and most notable achievement was her family. She was an amazing cook.  She could make a feast out of the minimalist ingredients.  And her desert was astonishing.

When her husband, George Spurgeon, passed in 1972 from a long battle from health complications, Wilma was left with the responsibility of raising six kids and keeping her family together.  She respectfully and lovingly cared for her mother, her in-laws, and numerous other family members throughout the remaining years of her life. Never once complaining, regretting, or feeling her faith was being challenged. She did it because that was just who she was.

She taught her children many things, the most important was love. She instilled in them caring and giving. Wilma was one of the hardest working women on this planet. Her continued devotion and dedication to her work, in whatever field or capacity, was beyond measure.  Wilma continued to work at the Little Rock Air Force Base Lakeside Shopette, up to the days before her passing.  This is the hard work ethic that she passed onto her children. She made an extraordinary impact on friends and family alike in how she desired to make sure everyone was welcomed into her home with open arms and full bellies.  Just ask the exponential number of kids that have passed thru her home feeling loved and cared for as if they were her own. Her home was a haven for togetherness, non judgment and non prejudice.  She was very simply, loving and warm.  I believe, all that knew her could honestly say that this world was a much better place for having her in it.

Wilma is survived by her six children, Vicki Shirlene (Oral) Walker, Nancy Catherine Lively, George Victor “Buddy” Spurgeon, Doris Ann (Gene) Eagle, Cheryl Elaine (Vincent) Buggs, and Stacey Lee Robertson.  Wilma was blessed with 13 grandchildren; Tammy, Kenneth, Catherine, Alex, Kyle, Corey, Lauren, Peyton, Morgan, Austin, Justin, Brianna, and Victoria. And she had 7 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. And numerous other extended nieces, nephews and family members.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ernie and Charlie and her siblings Shirley Henson, Shelby Falls, Jay Frank Falls, and Joe Falls.

A visitation and celebration of Wilma’s life will be held from 6 pm – 8 pm, on Wednesday, December 12, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 with funeral services on Thursday, December 13, at 11 am. Family members and friends are invited to attend burial services which be held at Edgewood Memorial Park, 4200 Division St., North Little Rock, AR 72118.